MEADVILLE, Pa. -- Allegheny College is pleased to welcome Slippery Rock University graduate Ben McEldowney back to the Keystone State as the Gators' newest assistant athletic trainer.

McEldowney joins the staff led by Mike Carr, director of sports medicine, and Dr. Christopher Rial, DO, team physician. Through a partnership with the Meadville Medical Center, Allegheny's sports medicine team provides athletic training services to hundreds of student-athletes. The College teamed Meadville Medical Center ahead of the 2022-23 academic year to enhance injury and illness prevention, rehabilitation, and education of sport-related injuries.

A two-time Slippery Rock graduate, McEldowney earned a bachelor's degree in exercise science in 2021 and a master's degree in athletic training in 2023. During his graduate studies, he worked with the Rock's football, track and field, and volleyball teams to create and implement rehabilitation programs. He also provided athletic training coverage at Grove City High School and completed an immersive experience with the University of Minnesota's men's ice hockey team. 

After receiving his master's degree, McEldowney spent the 2023-24 academic year as a resident athletic trainer at Wofford University, working with the Terriers' cross country, football, and track and field programs. He gained further experience at the Division I level last year as an assistant athletic trainer with the University of Wyoming's cross country and track and field teams.

McEldowney is a certified athletic trainer and a member of the National Athletic Trainers' Association. He is also certified as an emergency medical technician and a corrective exercise specialist.